Roy J. Scown, 93 of Collinsville, passed away, this February 4th, 2022, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. Born to Roy J Scown, Sr, and Margaret Louise Westerhoff of St. Louis, MO, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946. After graduation, he attended the Rolla School of Mines, in Rolla, MO, where he excelled with the highest math grades at the school and from there he went to Ft. Belvoir, in Virginia to give instruction in drafting and math. Roy moved on to serve with the MO Corp of Engineers and after meeting and marrying his wife, Ruth E Wagener, of St. Louis, he worked for the State of Illinois Highway Department. In the early 70's he went on to work for the National Park Service at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and was there until he retired in 1986. Roy and Ruth had five children and were both very active with the family and with local youth organizations. In the 1960's Roy contributed to the organization of the Collinsville Soccer Association youth league, where three of his sons played in that league. He was also active in managing and coaching baseball for Khoury League Baseball where all four of his sons played. As his career with the National Park Service was winding down, Roy and Ruth planted a Christmas tree farm they would continue for years after he retired. "Roy's Place", in Columbia, IL was a family affair and popular destination for many. Planting, growing and maintaining the farm, was an example of Roy's dedication to remaining active and staying fit, which was a big part of his life. In his early years while he and brother-in-law, William Spencer were pursuing engineering degrees (Rolla School of Mines) Roy and Bill performed hand balancing routines, to supplement their college tuition. Videos of these routines can still be viewed on YouTube under Spencer/Scown Hand Balancing. Up until a month before his death, you could find him working out several times a week at Leisure World in Collinsville where he was a long-time member. Besides fitness, Roy enjoyed cooking, playing the stock market, reading, research, and when his youngest son was alive, fishing.
Roy was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Ruth E (Wagener) in 2011, most recently is youngest son, Lee, in April of 2021, and his oldest son, Joe, in 1985.
He leaves behind, his daughter, Laura Kelley, and son-in-law Doug Kelley of Tarpon Springs, FL. Two sons, Rod and Ed Scown of Collinsville. A Grandson, Jeremy and his wife Ashley Scown, and his two Great-Grand Daughters, Evelynn and Clara Scown all of Glen Carbon; sisters:Jan Spencer of Rio Rancho, NM, and Rajean Bunch of Bernalillo, NM.
Upon his request, there will be no services held and a private Celebration of Life will be planned for Roy by his family in the spring.